Dixon hungry to repeat 2015 PGA Cup success

Enmore Park Golf Club professional David Dixon wants to create more magical PGA Cup memories when he returns to America to represent Great Britain & Ireland four years on from an heroic display in California.

Dixon was a member of the first Great Britain & Ireland team to win a PGA Cup match in America and, given the way the final day panned out, topping that is difficult.

The 42-year-old beat Stuart Deane in a memorable Sunday showdown at CordeValle Golf Club, California, in 2015.

And the match went down to the wire with Irishman Niall Kearney sinking the winning putt to clinch a narrow and historic 13½ - 12½ victory.

“It was an unbelievable week,” said Dixon. “To win the way we did with Niall Kearney’s amazing up and down, I don’t think that’ll ever get topped.

“It was a good experience. We had a good skipper, good vice-captains and a good team; everything was great. We were treated like royalty and the boys were up for it. We weren’t going to take prisoners that week and it was tight in the end, but sometimes that’s a good thing, when it gets exciting and nail biting at the end. It was good to be on the winning team and the first one in the America so now we need to go back there and give it our all again.

“It’s a different event this year. The United States desperately want to win it back, we desperately want to keep it, and it’s going to be good. There’s going to be some great golf. I don’t think we can top 2015 but we can create new memories.

“I’m buzzing to go to America again, we had a great week over there last time. I love team golf, it sparks something completely different in you compared to playing individual golf. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Having already tasted success in America four years ago as part of a team which featured current Great Britain & Ireland Captain Cameron Clark, Dixon is well placed to know what is needed to clinch a third consecutive victory in the competition.

He continued: “The key to us winning in America is for everyone to back each other, help each other out, keep our team spirit high, keep positive, enjoy the occasion and not put too much pressure on ourselves.

“The team get together before the matches is key. When I played in 2015 we did the same kind of thing. There were a few guys back then I didn’t know that well but by the time we went out to California everyone was quite friendly and I think that helps with the team spirit which gives you an advantage.

“We need to go there with a clear plan and we’ll try to execute it as best we can. You can’t predict what’s going to happen. They’re excellent golfers in America so you can’t really take anything for granted but if our preparation is right and we do our best, that’s all we can do.”

Dixon also paid tribute to Captain Clark, who he feels is the right man to lead Great Britain & Ireland to an historic third consecutive PGA Cup victory.

“Cameron is one of the nicest men you’ll ever want to meet,” Dixon added. “We’ve had a really good run of good captains. Cameron has been on the team under Jon Bevan, he was a Vice-Captain under Albert MacKenzie and he’s obviously now captain. 

“He’s a really calm guy. He doesn’t get too excitable and he’s just such a nice bloke. Everyone is going to want to pull for him as well. I’m looking forward to getting over there and getting his advice and guidance.”